Category Archives: ladies 2s reports

The 2’s went into the last league game of the season with plenty still to play for, as a win would give them a fighting chance of finishing 3rd in the league. At a sun drenched California Road the Magpies warm up was very relaxed as the teams prepared to do battle.

In an open start to the game both sides were keen on using the flanks which lead to a number of early penalty corners. However both were having great problems injecting from the by-line which resulted in wasted opportunities. Magpies finally perfected the routine when Jess Howland sent a reverse stick effort past the keeper and into the net.
In truth the Magpies were looking very threatening in the D with Laura Tibbenham, Anna Tighe and Alice Woollatt making some great leads but we were just missing the final clinical touch. At the other end the defensive trio of Plum sweet, Shev Wooltorton and Kath Johnson kept the home side reasonably quiet although St. Ives were still a danger on the break. However the Pies deservedly went to half time a goal up.

St Ives came out the sharper in the second half and forced a couple of penalty corners from which Jade Daly made a smart save to keep the scores level. The Pies burst into life with a fine second goal. Good ball retention at the back allowed Kath to send an ariel into space for Tibbs to brilliantly drive into the D, draw the keeper and find yet another strong run from Lottie Summers who slotted home.
The Magpies were now pressing home the advantage with Olivia Locke and Howland in charge of the middle of the park, allowing the platform to launch fast breaks with Lottie, Martha Lawrence and Sophie Child driving deep into the opposition D as the game became stretched. This lead to further goals being added by Anna Tighe and Alice Woollatt as Magpies ran out comfortable winners 4-0.

Following Dereham’s win at the league champions, Magpies finished in 4th place but can look back on a solid enjoyable season and with a little bit of luck in certain games could have pushed Peterborough and Cambridge even closer.. The party bus departed for the last time this season with everyone looking forward to a quiet beverage at the Awards Evening.

The players would like to thank Sam Tea for coaching the side as well as a big thank you to everyone back at the club whose efforts behind the scenes are really appreciated by the team. Likewise thanks to our band of loyal supporters who follow the team offering advice and support on the field and pay the occasional match fee as and when required off it.

On the last home game of the season, Magpies Ladies 2s were faced with the league leaders and already promoted Cambridge City.

Magpies starting 11 flew out of the blocks in the first 10 minutes, pressing high and looking for an early lead. Having majority of possession Magpies were rewarded with a penalty corner, which was only just went wide. With City’s centre midfield player looking dangerous, distributing disguise passes all over the field, the Magpies press was tested to the max. With Kath Johnson and Charley Seaman making some outstanding one-on-one tackles this kept City from finding the net. With both teams having chances, we went into the break level.

After a constructive half time chat, Magpies knew they were going to have to convert their chances and be clinical to get 3 points out of a strong Cambridge side.

From the whistle, Magpies played some great attacking hockey with the midfield of Katie Woollatt, Lottie Summers, Olivia Locke and Jess Howland distributing some great passes to the forward line. This effort and determination was rewarded when Laura Tibbenham drove the baseline and then pulled the ball back for Lottie Summers to slot away. 1-0 Magpies. After restarting, City soon looked very dangerous playing fast, flat, diagonal balls all over the pitch. This lead to City winning their first penalty corner of the game after finding a Magpies’ foot in their defensive D. After a slick and obviously well reversed routine, Cambridge had now made the score line level.

Although disappointed, the home side were determined to bag three points, and had majority of the possession for the remainder of the second half. Within this time they were awarded with 2 penalty corners, where Tibbenham was unlucky not to convert after her strike was stopped on the line. With 5 minutes left, City’s centre mid played a deadly disguise pass to their centre forward, and quick break won them their second penalty corner of the game. With Magpies initially stopping the first strike, a frantic scramble at the ball ended in City rolling the ball over the line. With only a couple of minutes left, Magpies continued to fight and more chances came for the home side. The Cambridge goalie was having to make several saves to deny Pies from levelling the score again. With the final whistle being blown, Magpies were disappointed not to get 3 points out of the league leaders after being ahead. However, this was definitely the performance of the season!!

We went to Lowestoft needing 3 points to keep our slim chances of promotion alive. We started the match positively and we were passing the ball quickly. The majority of the play in the first 15 minutes was in the Lowestoft half. Kath, Charlotte, Shev, Plum and Holly in goal gave us a good platform to build on.

Just before half time Lottie made a good run down the left and crossed the ball to Alice who at full stretch scored a well deserved goal to go 1-0 ahead.

The second half started with both teams battling for possession in midfield. Our excellent team spirit showed when magpies went down to 9 players on the pitch, constantly pressing on the ball and working hard.

After a brilliant team performance, Magpies won 1-0. We will be looking for another 3 points next week when we play league leaders Cambridge City at Magpies.

The ladies 2s were on form again with a 2-0 win against bury. After a good warm up, magpies came out strong, working well as a team to get the ball up the pitch. Not long into the game, magpies won a short corner, straight out to Laura Tibbenham who scored the first goal giving us an early lead. After a few breakthroughs from bury, magpies came back fighting, winning 18 short corners in the first half alone. Bury put up a good defence against Magpies corners stopping some great shots at goal.

After half time magpies continued the pressure, with some great runs being made by Alice Woollatt and Anna Tighe down the wing and great passes being made into the D by Alice. Bury fought back and managed to get a very good run down the middle, but great defending from Charlotte Seaman, kath Johnson, Siobhan Wooltorton and plum Sweet and great defensive organisation from Holly Riches in goal led to the ball being sent back up the pitch. Some great tackles in the middle made by Olivia Locke and Jess Howland stopped bury from getting through and helped the ball to get out wide. Magpies kept going and won another short corner, a strike in from the top and a cool deflection from Kath Johnson into the back of the goal. Magpies now led 2-0. Katie Woollatt’s relentless pressure and brilliant tackles helped to stop Magpies from conceding any goals in the game; overall it was another good performance from the ladies 2s.

MOM: Sophie Child

Next week the ladies twos travel to Lowestoft ladies who have been on good form for an 11.30am push back.

The ladies 2’s travelled with mascot baby Ziggy this Saturday to play against the Cambridge students. Ziggy joined us for the warm until Mr Seaman took over in the role of ‘Manny’.

The students started brightly and were well organised. They transferred the ball well, and tested our communication with their constant switching of positions. However Magpies were quick to get into the game, disrupting their passing game. We pressed particularly well and managed to win the ball several times from their defence. We held the ball well in midfield, with Olivia Locke communicating calmly throughout with positioning & organisation. Forwards, Laura Tibbenham, Alice Woollatt, Anna Tighe & Mia King were all making excellent runs, a goal was coming as we created lots of play around our D. Anna found the net from a short corner, Jess Howland hitting the ball across goal and Anna following up the rebounds so score 1-0 Magpies! We continued to apply the pressure and found ourselves winning several short corners, with opportunities up the wings as well. Tibbenham picked up the ball on the 25 and ran it in to slip the ball past the goalie from the left, 2-0 up.

We looked comfortable & confident on the ball and looked like we could go on to score a few more. Cambridge had a close call at a short corner which Plum expertly deflected wide, but we looked the stronger team throughout. A great team performance and a well deserved 3 points.

Big thanks to rent-a-crowd for all their support and the mums for expert buggy pushing!! Next week the ladies 2’s host Bury at home @ 12pm.

Magpies second string had been somewhat unlucky in recent games, as their performances were far better than the 4 points they had picked up in 2017. On a fine afternoon ,the ladies made the short trip to Norwich, for a re-arranged fixture with The Dragons.

After an intensive warm up, the game started in a very open manner, with both sides looking to get on top early on. The Pies took an early lead as a slick passing move from back to front, saw Anna Tighe round the keeper to slot the ball home. Not long after the advantage was doubled, when a quick release from Tibbenham sent Anna through again to net. Magpies were then looking to push on and put the game to bed. However this left some gaps that Dragons started to exploit but the defensive trio of Katie C, Shev and Charlotte held firm. They were backed up when Jade made an excellent save just before the break to keep the goal advantage intact.

Dragons came out strong early in the second half but the experienced trio of Lucy Field , Plum and Kath ensured that Harleston always had options on the break. With Jess, Olivia and Katie W providing forceful runs from the midfield ,this allowed the Pies forwards to create down the flanks ,with Martha and Alice looking dangerous.

In truth Magpies spurned opportunities to score from a string of penalty corners and a nervy ending became a reality when the Dragons netted with 8 mins left. Magpies saw out the remainder of the half deep in Dragons territory, with Anna just missing out on a hat trick when a close range effort was chalked off.

A deserved win for the Magpies was celebrated by the team and supporters alike with a mix of flat white coffee and cheesy pasta at the Oak

Magpies went out this week desperately wanting 3 points after narrowly losing the last two games 2-1. Unfortunately we only secured one point from Colchester with a score of 1 all at the final whistle.

We looked strong going forwards especially from the right with the work of Alice Woollatt, Lucy Field and Charley Seaman who used their speed and skills to work their way round the opposition. We had lots of opportunities for goals from several short corners with speedy injections from Lucy to Laura Tibbs who narrowly missed the post. We eventually managed to score first from some sister magic where Katie Woollatt ran the ball down the base line and with a quick cross across the goal her sister was waiting on the right post to tap it in. We were finally 1 goal up. However after the goal we received a lot of pressure in or own half with great defending from Kath, Katie, Shev and Charley we managed to keep it to 1 goal up, even after a lot of pressure from a couple of defending short corners with the man of the match Charley saving a goal right on the line. When the half time whistle blew it was 1-0.

After an inspirational team talk from Sam Tea at half time we went out looking to score some more goals. There was some great work from Rose Winter and Martha Lawrence with lots of quick passes between the two working their way up the pitch from the left, however with no success on goal. After a few well played attacks from the opposition they were pushing further up the pitch looking dangerous for Magpies. Colchester unfortunately managed to secure a goal against Hollie who had been making some great saves throughout the match making the score 1 all. We looked strong going forward with Anna Tighe using her speed on the right and Plum on her comeback from injury was making some great opportunities through the middle alongside Jess which won us some more short corners, however sadly we could not convert these to goals.Towards the end both teams became frustrated leading to three cards for Magpies and two cards in total for Colchester. Neither teams were able to score any more gaols in the final minutes, meaning the final score was one all.

Next week Magpies will be hoping to win away at St. Ives and hopefully gain three more points.

In the mid afternoon Bedford sunshine we started the match still knowing that we were in contention for promotion along with 5 other teams. The match didn’t get off to the best of starts for Magpies as Bedford scored an early goal within the first 5 minutes.
After this early setback, we began to settle and after Amy Hipwell joined Jess Howland in midfield this allowed Magpies to gradually put their authority on the game.
The first half had chances for both teams , Holly Riches kept us in the game with a good save and good defending by Kath Johnson Charlotte Seaman and katie Crawford denied Bedford extending the lead. The forwards were pressing well , Alice Woollatt and Anna Tighe were creating chances and Tibbs was unlucky not to score an equaliser before half time.

The second half started and Magpies continued to improve, Rose Winter and Jess Howland were winning a lot of balls in midfield and the high work rate of Katie Woollatt and Lucy Field kept pushing Bedford back and after 10 minutes in the 2nd half Tibbs scored to make it 1-1 and we deserved to be level.

We were having a good spell of Hockey and were unlucky not to go 2-1 ahead when Kath fired a ball into the D which Tibbs just failed to connect with. During this spell of pressure Magpies could not score another to go ahead, frustratingly Tibbs hit the post twice and Alice narrowly missed following a short corner.
Magpies momentum was interrupted when play was stopped for 5 minutes for the Bedford keeper to receive repairs to her helmet. This allowed Bedford to reorganise and shortly after the restart broke away to score to go 2-1 ahead. Bedford were spurred on the home pitch side supporters and despite a good final 5 minutes of pressure for Magpies we could not score an equaliser which we deserved.
Next week we are at home against Colchester in a must win game if we are to keep our chances of promotion alive.

After the frost had cleared, the girls were playing on the sand this week and were looking to get back to their winning ways.

Magpies had a very strong start and looked pretty dominant all over the pitch, with some lovely transfers going round the back creating a few chances. Unfortunately though the back of the net just wasn’t found. Magpies continued to look strong throughout the half, until a lovely run down the wing from Lucy Field and a feed into Sarah Legg in the D, coolly slotted home took us 1-0 up.

The half time talk saw Rob telling us to up the tempo and take free-hits quicker. Magpies continued to press against the St Ives defense picking off passes. A well timed pass from Siobhan Wooltorton to Laura Tibbenham at the top of the circle resulted in Tibbenham dribbling round the remaining defenders and slipping the ball in past the goalie. 2-0 and surely an ‘assist’ for Siobhan can be claimed. However the rest of the second half didn’t see the Magpies girls remain so dominant. St Ives came back at us hard and attacked our circle several times but goals were denied thanks to keeper Holly Riches putting in some cracking saves again and again to keep Magpies in the game. Eventually though St Ives managed to slot one home, making the score 2-1. The pressure was now on and Magpies needed to hold on to the final whistle. A few more short corners for St Ives defended well by Magpies kept the final score at 2-1.

A good win for the ladies 2’s, player of the match Holly Riches. Next week the ladies are at home again looking to get one last win in before Christmas.

Magpies started badly, with an early break down the wing from Cambridge and Jade Daly left with a number of players in front of her, Cambridge took an early lead. One nil to Cambridge putting Magpies on the back foot from the start. Magpies then pulled their finger out and created some chances against a fast moving Cambridge side. Unfortunately nothing came of the chances and Magpies went into half time one down.

With half time out of the way the girls were still hopeful of a comeback. However the task was made harder when Cambridge were awarded a short corner and were able to convert it. The game drawing to a close Magpies had to push forward, some good balls sent through from Amy Hipwell, Shev Wooltorton and Kath Johnson; Magpies looked threatening and like they could score. Magpies won a short corner. Plum Sweet hit the ball out to Laura Tibbenham who struck the ball cleanly only to hit the post and miss by a narrow margin. Magpies left unable to find the net, ended the game with a 2-0 loss.

Next week the ladies hope to get back to their winning ways against St Ives at home @12.15pm.

With only one defeat this season we went into this home game against Lowestoft full of confidence. Lowestoft started strong and we knew that to gain 3 points we were going to work hard. Lowestoft soon went 1-0 up which magpies responded to and increased the tempo of the match and started to pass the ball around better, this lead to Lauren Mickleburgh making good passes out wide to Alice Woollatt who was making successful runs down the right crossing the ball into the D.
Laura Tibbenham made a good run from half way into the D and successfully won a short corner, Tibbenhams first strike was saved but Lauren Mickleburgh scored a powerful goal off the rebound, just inside the top of the D, 1-1.
Both teams weren’t going to settle for a draw and continued to play some very good hockey, with Jade Daley making good saves and Katie Woollatt keeping good possession in the middle of the pitch keeping magpies at 1-1. Unfortunately Lowestoft won a short corner after 25mins and made the score board 1-2 Lowestoft.
To our credit we knew we had more goals in us and going into the second half 1-2 down we knew what we needed to do after the half time team talk from coach Sam Tea. Thanks to Kara Kilbourn we got an early goal bringing us level with Lowestoft again, 2-2. We looked a better team second half, working more as a team which soon lead to the winning goal from Kara, 3-2. Shev, Katie C and Jess stayed solid in defence giving magpies the win they needed to move up to second in the league. Next we play top of the table Cambridge City 2s
Player of Match-Alice Woollatt

On a cold and gloomy Saturday, Magpies Ladies 2s travelled to Bury St Edmunds with the hopes of continuing their success from last week’s 7-0 win.

After a frantic and boisterous start to the game, Magpies quickly found their feet and started to put Bury under immense pressure, pushing them deep into their defensive 25. For the first 20 minutes, all eyes were on the Magpies forward line, with Laura Tibbenham, Hannah De-Selincourt and Anna Tighe having numerous chances at goal, though not able to find that backboard. Soon this pressure paid off, as Magpies won their first penalty corner of the game. With Tibbenham stepping up to the mark, and Bury allowing her lots of time on the ball, her strong straight strike only just missed the goal by a margin! Magpies then started to play some good hockey, working the ball around and through the Bury defence. With the Bury team getting irritated with the fluent play being pursued by the team in white, this led to a further two corners for Pies. Bury were kept in the game though, thanks to their keeper making some great saves and keeping the score even. Bury then had a good spell making some fast counter attacks, which were calmly dealt with by the Magpies defence of Amy Hipwell, Siobhan Wooltorton and Charlotte Seaman. Gaining possession again, Katie Woollatt quickly fed a ball to Jess Howland who appeared to be in acres of space in the centre of midfield. Howland then found a gap, firing the ball to an unmarked Tibbenham. Tibbenham then crossed the ball to Hannah who was on the P spot, whose attempt was denied by the Bury keeper. With the end of the first half approaching, Mapgies Centre back Amy Hipwell found herself driving the ball into unknown territory- the Magpies attacking D! Howland thought she would join this unique attacking moment, when she received a perfectly place ball from Hipwell and calmly dribbled around the last two of the Bury defenders to get the first goal of the game. 1-0 Magpies.

The second half started slow, and Magpies started to make it hard for themselves and not making the ball do the work like they had been doing previously. With the majority of play down the right hand side of the pitch, this saw some good solid balls being sent down the right flank by Shev, with Alice Woollatt and Anna Tighe moving well to create lots of opportunities and winning a corner. With only 10 minutes to go, Tibbenham was eager to find that backboard before the final whistle. Her hard work paid off, after she coolly beat Bury’s first runner and then nutmegged their keeper to put us two ahead. With spirits high Magpies looked to become complacent which allowed Bury to make a number of breaks bringing Magpies keeper Holly Riches into the game, and winning themselves a corner. Due to there corner not coming out well, this enabled magpies to clear the ball with ease.

Next week Magpies welcome Lowestoft ladies to the nest for a 12.00 push back.

After a constructive and high intensity training session on Thursday, we went into today’s game with a positive mind-set. We started the game brightly and through the press, the forward line of Laura Tibbenham, Kara Kilbourn and Alice Woollatt put the Cambridge defenders under pressure from the whistle. We were much more disciplined in our pressing and were able to force a number of turn over balls and as a result win short-corners. To Cambridge’s credit, they started off defending their short-corners admirably and gave us a few things to think about as they cleared their lines. The deadlock was broken when a Kara cross found Laura in the middle, deflecting the ball in for Magpies first of the afternoon. Magpies second was a superb individual effort from Jess Howland on the left of midfield, who took the ball around four Cambridge defenders to slot the ball passed the keeper (glimpses of Jess from her National league days)! The magpie’s central midfield of Lauren Mickleburgh and Plum Sweet were finding themselves with lots of room in the centre of the pitch and were able to freely move the ball around, causing Cambridge all sorts of problems.

Cambridge had a number short-corners themselves toward the end of the first half but, thanks to some brave defending from Shev Wooltorton and Charlotte Seaman we were able to clear our lines and take a 2-0 lead into the half time break. Despite being 2-0 up and playing the better hockey, Coach Sam was very diplomatic and ensured we went into the second half re-focused and ready to play.

In the second half, Cambridge changed their formation which brought our wide midfield players into the game. Alice, Katie Woollatt, Lucy Chubbock and Phoebe Preece battled hard to win the ball on the side lines of the pitch and created a number of opportunities for the forwards. The third and fourth goal came from almost identical short-corner scenario as a calm Laura at the top of the circle found Lauren at right slip to drive the base line and slot the ball past the keeper. As Cambridge began to tire, we started to play a much higher press and Laura was rewarded when her interception from their central defender found its way into the back of the goal. A further drive down the base line enabled Laura to complete a much deserved hat trick and Magpies sixth of the afternoon. Gaps in the Cambridge team began to emerge and this gave opportunities for the likes of Mia King, Lucy, Katie, Lauren and Plum to drive hard and put the defenders under more pressure.

To Cambridge’s credit they continued to fight and caught us on the break on a couple of occasions. Lucky for Magpies some strong tackling from Amy Hipwell, Shev and Charlotte and a strong save from Hollie Riches in goal kept them at bay. Magpie’s fine display was finished by off by a spectacular effort from Olivia Locke who, after the ball was sent in the air by the keeper, first timed her effort, above her head, into the goal.

Magpies look to continue an excellent afternoon of hockey next week when we travel to Bury.

The game started of with some good pace and Magpies had a few opportunities going towards goal, but were unable to produce any goals. The whole team was struggling with the bobble of the pitch. As the first half went on Magpies pace dropped off a little with heads going down. Colchester were given some goal scoring chances with a few short corners, however Jade Daly in goal was having a great game and kept magpies in the game.

The half time talk saw coach Sam giving the girls a pep talk before heading out for the second half. As the second half went on Magpies looked more energetic and like they were out for the win. Some good running down the wing from Alice Woollatt meant there were more shots on goal. Magpies were able to win some short corners, but were still unable to find the net.

Final score was left at 0-0, a frustrating result for the girls but still a valuable point to see them stay 4th in the table just one point below Peterborough. Player of the match was Jade Daly.

After the previous weeks victory away to City Of Peterborough 1’s we needed to win today to continue to climb the table.

The game started with just 2 points separating us, Magpies started positively playing quick simple hockey. Laura Tibbenham gave us the lead after 15 minutes with a well struck goal. But this was short lived as Bedford scored from a short corner to make it 1-1.

Magpies were creating chances and were using the width of the pitch well. Alice Woollatt and Anna Tighe were linking up well on the right, and Kara Kilbourn was having plenty of the ball on the left. We went 2-1 ahead when Alice Woollatt scored to finish a good move.

As the game went on we gained in confidence. The defence of Katie Crawford, Amy Hipwell and Shev Wooltorton were very strong, not allowing Bedford to be any threat towards the Magpies goal.

Our fitness was showing and we carried on looking strong. The midfield of Katie Woollatt, Plum Sweet, Lucy Chubbock and Anna Tighe were creating chances for the forwards and we went 3-1 up with a goal from Laura.

The second half was no different, we came out strong and determined to get another goal. This soon happened when Kara scored making it 4-1.

A convincing win and a good platform to take us into the next match away at Colchester. Player of the match was Alice Woollatt.

This week the ladies 2’s travelled away to play City of Peterborough. This week having lost a few players for various reasons including Lucy Chubbock doing a half marathon well done for completing it in a cracking time, we were travelling with only 12.

Magpies started off a little slow, with Peterborough coming out hard and playing well, fortunately on the break Magpies were able to win a short corner. Which resulted in Laura doing her first reverse pass ever to Plum Sweet on the left post to be slotted away. 1-0 Magpies. Peterborough continued to come at magpies with some well worked plays down the wing but were again kept at bay by the defence and Holly Riches in goal. Later in the first half Magpies were able to catch Peterborough on the attack a lovely ball through from Olivia Locke meant Laura was able to pick the ball and was left with just the goalie ahead. A hit from the right hand side of the dee found the goal to make the score 2-0, this saw the last of the goals for the first half.

The second half didn’t see a change in pace from Peterborough they continued to press hard and were pushing for a goal. Short corner after short corner successfully kept out by Magpies and some great saves by Holly kept us 2-0 up. Anna Tighe persisted up the left wing trying to get the ball through to the forwards, and eventually won us a short corner. A straight strike from the top gave Laura her second goal of the game and took the score to 3-0. Unfortunately soon after Olivia took a hit to the arm with fears of a break (thankfully an x-ray has shown no break) and then Katie Crawford taking a hit to the knee and having to go off, Magpies were down to 10 players. The end of the game was approaching and with only 10 players, Peterborough were a goal finally rewarded with a goal. Taking the final score to 3-1 win for Magpies a good three points for the girls.

Player of the match was Holly Riches. Next week the ladies 2’s return to the nest at 12pm to play Bedford at home where they will be looking for another 3 points to climb up the table further.

On a sunny afternoon at Weybread, Magpies Ladies 2s went out in force with the intention of slaying the dragon(s), and bagging their first 3 points of the season.

After a slightly panicked start, the Magpies first 11 soon found their feet and started to play some good hockey. Not long into the first half, the play started to look promising when Alice Woollatt used her speed to make her way into the Dragons defensive 25. With the support of Tibbenham on the P-Spot and an accurate pass by Alice, this led to Tibbenham finding the back of the net. 1-0 Pies. With Magpies still overwhelmed and excited by the wonder goal, Dragons took advantage of this making a quick break and winning themselves a penalty corner. With the Pies defenders getting ‘out out out out’ rapidly, this led to a dangerous disallowed Dragons goal.

After a brief interruption from some enthusiastic and passionate Magpies supporters, the umpire resumed the game, and Magpies then continued to forge forward. With some classy passing from Plum Sweet, Lucy Chubbock and Amy Hipwell n the middle of the pitch, the ball found its way through to a perfectly placed Hannah de Selincourt, who used her reverse stick to find the backboard in a cool and confident fashion. Shortly after this, Magpies were able to increase the number on the scoreboard, when Alice skilfully received a bullet of a pass from Tibbenham, before efficiently slotting home.

With a confident first half behind us, the Magpies ladies went out with the intention to extend their lead. Likewise, Dragons had the same intentions and fired out of the blocks from the offset. However, Dragons had no luck in narrowing the score line, due to some exceptional defending being displayed from the Magpies defensive line of Jess Howland, Siobhan Wooltorton and Katie Woollatt. With a ping-pong style of hockey now being played, Magpies fitness defiantly shone through, creating more opportunities, which were unable to be converted. With a couple of the high Dragon’s forwards still having a burst of fire left in them, this saw some dangerous 1v1 and 2v1 breaks towards the Magpies goal. After some good defending all over the pitch, Magpies were able to keep Dragons at bay and holding out to the final whistle.

Magpies Ladies 2s will take this encouraging performance into next week’s game where they face Peterborough, away from the nest.

After a positive team talk from coach Sam Tea and a version of the Icelandic chant being portrayed at the start, Magpies were ready to go and win their first league game of the season.

Magpies started the game strong, keeping possession and moving the ball well down the right hand side of the pitch. With the midfield working hard, a good ball through to captain Laura Tibbenham, saw an impressive run and a clean strike across the goal, where Amy D-S was waiting to slot home. Dereham then had a spell of possession and a couple of short corners. It was only minutes later when Dereham, in a frantic scramble in front of goal found the back of the net to make it one a piece. Magpies soon bounced back from this, and after a nifty run from Tibbenham, the backboard was found again after a clean strike from the top of the circle. With Magpies pressing high, a loose ball found its way through the Magpies midfield, and in the hands of a Dereham striker. With the defence outnumbered, this left magpies’ goalie Jade in a 2 vs 1 situation, and after a miss-hit from the Dereham striker it rolled over the line. With one-minute left, magpies won a penalty corner, however was unfortunate not convert. 2-2 half time.

After an exciting first half, Magpies were hungry for more goals. After a few dangerous attacks by Dereham from the offset, Magpies defence of Amy Hipwell, Katie Crawford and Siobhan Wooltorton stayed strong and kept their cool, enabling magpies to play the ball forward themselves, with some good moves down the right flank by Alice Woollatt, Lucy Chubbock, Phoebe Preece. After a crucial mistake was made by Dereham in the middle of the pitch, this allowed Jess Howland to pick the ball and fire it to a free Laura Tibbenham at the top of the circle. Tibbenham wanting to add to her tally, smashed the ball to the far post, finding a Dereham foot on the way, deflecting straight into the goal. 3-2 Magpies. With Magpies just getting back into their stride, Katie Woollatt took a stick to the head, forcing her off the pitch. Dereham took advantage of this, small break winning a penalty corner, and converting to make the score even steven’s, again!

With few subs left to rotate on, after an number of Magpies players taking balls and sticks to the body, Magpies fantastic pre season efforts defiantly shone through, with a fantastic work rate still being shown all over the pitch. After some unlucky decisions being made in the Magpies defending 25, this lead too numerous Dereham penalty corners towards the end of the game, however none were converted. Magpies were still showing fight, however Dereham had won a controversial corner, just as the final whistle blew. With Magpies Goalie Jade Daley making a fantastic initial save, a final scramble to the ball found the ball cross the line, and resulting in a frustrating 4-3.

Magpies 2s will again bring their grit and determination to next Saturdays game where they face Lindum 1s, 12.00pm at home.

On a damp and dreary day the Harleston Ladies 2nds were at home against runaway league leaders West Herts. Earlier in the season the team had suffered a 6-0 loss away at the hands of West Herts but came onto the pitch in determined fashion.

The team were without a few regulars, Lauren Mickleburgh was playing 1sts and goalkeeper Megan Brown was unwell (get well soon Megan) but in their places stepped up the 3rds of Katie and Alice Woollatt, Victoria Sweet (Plum) and goalkeeper Holly Riches.

The match was full throttle from the whistle and West Herts were attacking hard. The pressure was immense but the mids and forwards of Lauren Rowe, Amy Hipwell, Anouska and Georgie Minta were making great tackles and the defence of Victoria Sweet (Plum), Shev Wooltorton and Katie Crawford alongside goalee Holly were holding firm. The first goal came from a mistimed West Herts pass which Tor Findlay intercepted brilliantly and took into the D, drawing the keeper and making a perfectly timed pass across to Kara Kilbourn to deliver the perfect shot into goal.

This fired West Herts up more and they came back fighting hard and sadly Angie Wheelhouse soon limped off injured to take no further part. The defence were playing solidly and working hard but eventually a goal went in to take it to 1:1 at half time.

After the break the 2nds were playing some lovely hockey and it was an end to end game but Magpies couldn’t get past the West Herts defenders to have another shot on goal. As time went on West Herts were taking their chances and starting to camp in the Magpies D causing the defence and Holly in goal to work hard saving shot after shot through open play and penalty corners. By the final whistle 2 more had gone in but the final score of 3-1 was a creditable performance by a team who never gave up and the 3rds players who all stepped up to the mark extremely well. Player of the Match – Holly Riches